Federal

Police Department

Greetings from Chief Jonathan Parham

Welcome to the Linden Police Department's website. My name is Jonathan Parham and I am the newly appointed Chief of
Police for the City of Linden. The Linden Police Department is one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the
state of New Jersey, and I am proud to lead the men and women who make this department extraordinary. I want to thank
them for their tireless efforts as well as their unwavering commitment to protect and serve the citizens of Linden.

We are committed to providing ever-improving law enforcement services to our business, residential, and faith based
partners. In order to succeed at this mission we need to improve the way we share information and communicate; and
to do that we need your help. Please like
our Facebook page and sign up for the
Linden Police Department Nixle Alerts in order to stay informed. Stay aware of what’s happening in your area by
selecting the RAIDSONLINE icon. If you have information regarding any of the crimes listed please be sure and
give us a call.

Thank you for visiting with us. I hope you find the information listed on our site informative. Stay safe.

Jonathan Parham
Chief of Police
Linden Police Department

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Linden Police Department is to reduce crime, improve the delivery of Police services
and enhance the quality of life for Linden residents through cooperative partnerships with community members.

Code of Ethics

Law enforcement is an honorable calling. Service in this field demands a professional, rather than an
occupational philosophy. Personal honor, a desire for professional status, and devotion to service above
self are the motives which impel members and employees to discharge their responsibility in full measure.

Members and employees lives are one of self-sacrificing service to a high ideal, based upon their
recognition of the responsibilities entrusted to them, and the belief that law enforcement is an
honorable vocation. They fully accept their responsibilities to defend the right, to protect the weak,
to aid the distressed, and to uphold the law in public and private living. They accept the obligation to
report facts and to testify without bias or display of emotion, and to consider all information coming
to their knowledge by virtue of their position a sacred trust to be used for official purposes only.
Members and employees give their loyal and faithful attention to the identification and apprehension of
criminals, being equally alert to protect the innocent and prosecute the guilty. They perform the functions
of their office without fear, favor, or prejudice and do not engage in unlawful or improper practices.

They do not disclose to unauthorized persons any information concerning pending matters which might be
prejudicial to the interests of the State, the City or the Department.

They do not seek to benefit personally by any confidential information which has come to them by virtue
of their assignment. They are respectful and courteous to all citizens. They are faithful and loyal to
their organization, constantly striving to cooperate and promote better relations with all regularly
constituted law enforcement agencies and their representatives in matters of mutual interest and obligation.

Rigid adherence to the principles set out above is mandatory for anyone accepting a position in the
police department. Acceptance of these principles should not be perfunctory; they should be weighed
carefully. Citizens are quick to criticize any misconduct of members or employees of the department;
the community places a trust in the police department and expects all members and employees to conduct
themselves as to merit this trust. Members and employees should be proud to hold a position that demands so much.

There must be a moral philosophy and strong appreciation of the need for service in any profession.
Unwavering adherence to such a moral philosophy will earn the respect and support of the public.

All members and employees shall abide by the Code of Ethics as adopted by this agency as written above.

Citizen Complaint

The members of the Linden Police Department are committed to providing law enforcement services that are
fair, effective and impartially applied. It is in the best interests of everyone that your complaint about
the performance of an individual officer is resolved fairly and promptly. The Police Department has
formal procedures for investigating your complaint. These procedures ensure fairness and protect the rights
of both citizens and police officers.

Your complaint will be sent to a superior officer or a specially trained internal affairs officer who will
conduct a thorough and objective investigation.

You might be asked to help in the investigation by giving a detailed statement about what happened or
providing other important information.

All complaints against police officers are thoroughly investigated. You will be advised in writing of
the outcome of the investigation.

If our investigation shows that a crime might have been committed, the county prosecutor will be notified. You might be asked to testify in court.

If our investigation results in an officer being charged with a violation of department rules, you might be asked to testify in a department hearing.

If our investigation shows that the complaint is unfounded or that the officer acted properly, the matter will be closed.

It is unlawful to provide information in this matter which you do not believe to be true.

Information and Tips

General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. How can I become a Linden Police Officer?

A.
The City of Linden is a Department of Personnel municipality. As such, police recruits are selected from a
Department of Personnel list that is issued following a written exam. Additional information can be found
using this link to the NJ Civil Service Commission.

Occasionally, we also hire certified police officers from other police agencies through the
Intergovernmental Transfer Program. This program allows police officers from other Department of Personnel
communities to transfer into the Linden Police Department provided that both Chiefs of Police are in agreement.

Any current police officer that is desirous of transferring into the Linden Police Department should send a
letter of interest along with a resume to Linden Police Chief.

Q. How Do I Commend an Officer?

A.
Citizens who feel an officer has performed his or her duties in a particularly courteous, helpful
or competent manner may express their appreciation in a number of ways.

Contact any supervisor (in person or by telephone) at Police Headquarters.

A.
For many people, being pulled over by a Police Officer while driving in your car can be an
extremely stressful event.

If a Police car pulls in behind you while driving and activates it's emergency lights and/or
siren, you should pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe. Once you have
pulled over, you should put the car in park and turn on the interior light. This is for your
safety as well as the safety of the Officer.

You have to remember that although you know you are a decent, law abiding citizen, the Police
Officer behind you has no idea who you are and will be naturally cautious as numerous Officers
are hurt and even killed each year during "routine" traffic stops. When approached by the
Officer, you will be asked for you driver's license, vehicle registration card and proof of
insurance for the car.

If you need to enter the glove compartment to retrieve the documents, just tell the Officer
what you are doing and proceed to get your documents when instructed.

In order to make this traffic stop as safe and pleasant as possible for all involved, here
are a few tips:

Do not make any sudden or violent movements.

Do not suddenly conceal or hide your hands.

Remain in the vehicle unless instructed to exit by the Officer.

As soon as the Officer has your documents, he will explain the reason for the traffic stop
and may give a verbal warning, a written warning or issue you a traffic summons. If you have
any questions, the Officer will attempt to answer them at the scene and will also provide you
with the number for the Municipal Violations Bureau which is located on the back of the summons.